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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can HIV Infection Spread Through Skin Contact?

Hi there, about a year ago almost I met my distant-cousin and we became friends he is infected with the AIDS virus, I have touched his tears (whiping them away, hes gay so hes very emotional) and then on one occurance he spit in my eye. Should I go get tested immediately? I don't talk to him anymore. He moved away.
Mon, 22 Sep 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello
Let me explain in detail ,so that you will get your desired answer :
Although HIV can be isolated typically in low titers from SALIVA ( spit )of a small proportion of INFECTED ( AS YOUR BROTHER ) individuals , there is no convincing evidence that saliva can transmit HIV infection ( so also sputum ).
So your brother spit in your eyes but this is not a mode of transmission of HIV , so need not to worry at all.
Now about tears :
Although virus ( HIV ) can be identified , if not isolated , from virtually any body fluid , there is no evidence that HIV transmission can occur as a result of exposure to TEARS, SWEATS or URINE.
I mentioned virus identified but can not be isolated means not a mode of transmission of HIV infection.
So according to scientific studies there is no chance of getting HIV infection by you from your brother.
Hope this will be useful for you.
Good luck.
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Can HIV Infection Spread Through Skin Contact?

Hello Let me explain in detail ,so that you will get your desired answer : Although HIV can be isolated typically in low titers from SALIVA ( spit )of a small proportion of INFECTED ( AS YOUR BROTHER ) individuals , there is no convincing evidence that saliva can transmit HIV infection ( so also sputum ). So your brother spit in your eyes but this is not a mode of transmission of HIV , so need not to worry at all. Now about tears : Although virus ( HIV ) can be identified , if not isolated , from virtually any body fluid , there is no evidence that HIV transmission can occur as a result of exposure to TEARS, SWEATS or URINE. I mentioned virus identified but can not be isolated means not a mode of transmission of HIV infection. So according to scientific studies there is no chance of getting HIV infection by you from your brother. Hope this will be useful for you. Good luck.